Amid severe air pollution, the Delhi government announced on Monday the suspension of physical classes for students in Classes 10 and 12.

"From tomorrow, physical classes shall be suspended for Class 10 and 12 as well, and all studies will be shifted online," Delhi Chief Minister Atishi posted on X.

The decision followed the Supreme Court's directive to Delhi and NCR states to decide on online classes for all students and report back by Friday.

Delhi's air quality deteriorated to hazardous levels, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 494, leaving residents struggling with breathing difficulties, itchy eyes, and sore throats. Doctors warned that the toxic air poses risks to both vulnerable groups and healthy individuals.

The Supreme Court criticized the authorities in Delhi and NCR for delays in implementing Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which includes stricter anti-pollution measures. The court emphasized that restrictions under Stage 4 would remain in effect even if the AQI drops below 450.

A bench comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih questioned the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on its delayed response.

“It is because of your fault that we are facing this situation today. In such a serious case, how do you wait for three days?” the court asked. “Till further orders are passed by this court, implementation of GRAP Stage 4 will continue even if AQI falls below 450," it added.

Monday’s AQI reading of 494 was Delhi's worst in six years, with 15 of 39 monitoring stations recording the maximum value of 500. Nearby NCR cities also reported severe air quality, with AQI readings of 423 in Noida, 438 in Ghaziabad, and 469 in Gurugram.